gear – Vagabondish https://vagabondish.com Adventurous travel for semi-reponsible adults. Fri, 12 May 2023 20:34:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.1.16 The Best Gear to Up Your Car Camping Game This Winter https://vagabondish.com/best-winter-car-camping-gear/ https://vagabondish.com/best-winter-car-camping-gear/#respond Fri, 22 Feb 2019 19:36:09 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=17688 Packing the best winter car camping gear can make spending long nights in the back of your car or SUV not only tolerable but actually comfortable.

The post The Best Gear to Up Your Car Camping Game This Winter appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
Camping is awesome, car camping is awesome. And, while challenging, car camping in the dead of winter can be just as awesome, assuming you have the right gear. Packing the best winter car camping gear can make spending long nights in the back of your car or SUV not only tolerable but actually comfortable. Here are four of my latest, must-have recommendations.

Best Winter Car Camping Gear

BioLite FirePit

BioLite FirePit - Wood Charcoal Burning Camping Firepit
BioLite FirePit – Wood Charcoal Burning Camping Firepit

There’s nothing better after a long day of hiking than relaxing around a blazing campfire. This is 100 times truer in the dead of winter. BioLite’s FirePit is the perfect campfire companion for car campers.

There’s a lot to love about this clever, Swiss-Army-style gadget. First off, the fact that it runs on both wood and charcoal make it incredibly versatile so, no matter where you find yourself, you’re virtually guaranteed access to a proper campfire. Even with the FirePit at full blaze, patented airflow technology keeps it well stoked and smoke-free. You can even control the size of the flames manually or via a free Bluetooth-enabled smartphone app. The mesh design means you have a 360-degree view of your fiery handiwork. That it can double as a hibachi-style grill makes it all the better!

[amazon box=”B0765NLD2F”]

LEDLenser Flashlight

Of course, being surrounded by nature’s splendor does you no good if you can’t actually see it. It goes without saying that a proper headlamp is a must-pack for any camping trip. And a legit backup flashlight (“torch” for our U.K. friends) is every bit as important. It’s ideal for those tasks where directional lighting is critical.

LEDLenser MT10 Flashlight
LEDLenser MT10 Flashlight

For this, I’ve started packing LEDLenser’s MT10. It’s compact, puts out 1,000 lumens, is USB rechargeable, and features three illumination settings plus a strobe mode. Simple and straightforward. Because it’s manufactured under a subsidiary of the legendary Leatherman brand, it’s also durable as hell. For a beefier option, the LEDLenser MT18 pushes 3,000 lumens in case, ya know, you get really lost.

[amazon box=”B073KXDG8J”]

Outdoor Vitals Sleeping Bag

The old adage of why you should buy a decent mattress (“Because you’ll spend almost one-third of your life on it!”) is just as true for your sleeping bag. I never, ever scrimp on my bedding. When I’m car camping, I appreciate the luxury of being able to pack a little more to make my nights more enjoyable.

Outdoor Vitals StormLOFT Down MummyPod Sleeping Bag
Outdoor Vitals StormLOFT Down MummyPod Sleeping Bag

I’ve been loving Outdoor Vitals’ ultralight camp gear. Their StormLOFT Down MummyPod Sleeping Bag is everything you might need in a four-season sleeping bag. Most importantly, the 800 fill power hydrophobic down in the 15°F variety is good for all but the absolute coldest of nights (although Outdoor Vitals offers a 0°F alternative). Not only is it warm, but super soft and comfortable to boot.

I love the versatility of using it either as a traditional mummy sleeping bag or as an insulator for my camp hammock. And the YKK anti-snag zipper means you’ll never damage the sleeping bag or need to fumble with opening/closing it in the middle of the night because of a stuck zipper.

[amazon box=”B01MXJKCY0″]

Somewear Global Hotspot

Somewear Global Hotspot and Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
Somewear Global Hotspot and Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

I’ve been toying with the idea of a personal locator beacon (PLB) for a while now. Frankly, I’ve always shied away from PLBs because they’re typically expensive and often require pricey, long-term monthly/annual contracts. But, I was intrigued by Somewear.

While the unit itself is a not-unsubstantial investment at USD $349, they promise the most affordable Iridium data plans on the market. So, that takes some of the sting out of the initial purchase price. Plus, it offers global two-way texting, location sharing, weather updates, and SOS emergency services all with the touch of a few buttons. The device integrates with iOS and Android devices through a smartphone app that’s dead-simple to use. For a seamless, out-of-the-box experience, it doesn’t get much easier.

What are your recommendations for the best winter car camping gear?

Also, if you’re a travel or outdoor photographer, check out our picks for the best travel photography accessories of 2019 (so far …)!

The post The Best Gear to Up Your Car Camping Game This Winter appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/best-winter-car-camping-gear/feed/ 0
Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC: Bluetooth and Noise-Canceling on a Budget https://vagabondish.com/phiaton-curve-bt-120-nc-review/ https://vagabondish.com/phiaton-curve-bt-120-nc-review/#respond Fri, 11 Jan 2019 17:59:20 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=17649 Phiaton's CURVE BT 120 NC are a great option for travelers looking for earphones that are wireless, affordable, and active noise-canceling.

The post Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC: Bluetooth and Noise-Canceling on a Budget appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
I’m continually impressed by Phiaton. Over the years, their over-ear headphones are still among the best we’ve ever tested.

They’re latest earphones — the Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC Bluetooth noise-canceling earphones — are a great option for travelers looking for earphones that are wireless, affordable, and — perhaps most importantly — noise-canceling.

Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC Review

The Skinny

In the manufacturer’s own words, the Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC earphones are:

Premium active noise-canceling earphones with fast charge and excellent sound quality. Get 1 hour of use from 5 minutes of charging. Featuring a sleek and portable neckband design that is ready to go wherever life takes you. Next Generation Bluetooth 4.2 is backwards compatible and blocks out distraction with up to 95% of ambient noise cancellation.

Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Earphones
Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Earphones

The Traveler’s Take on Phiaton’s CURVE BT 120 NC Earphones

My choice of headphones/earphones used to come down to sound quality above else. With as much travel as I do, that’s changed. I still care about how they sound of course and the CURVE BT 120 NC earphones do sound great. But, especially on long-haul flights, I care more about noise-canceling and noise-isolation.

Here, the CURVE BT 120 NC’s live up to the “NC” (in case it’s not obvious, that refers to “noise-canceling”) in their name, actively canceling out quite a bit of ambient noise, especially for a pair of earphones. According to Phiaton, when fitted properly, they’re able to cancel out up to 95% of background noise. While they’ll never quite live up to the same capability in a pair of over-ear headphones, they work quite well.

An inline controller provides full control over standard music functions (back, forward, play, pause, and volume up/down). The same buttons provide control over call functionality as well so you needn’t pull your phone out of your pocket if you don’t want to. With the latest Bluetooth 4.2 tech, you can connect to two devices (say, a tablet and a smartphone) simultaneously.

The fast-charge capability is a huge plus for me. Even in these glory days of being able to travel with a handful of backup battery packs, I seem to always be rushing to find the nearest outlet. Five minutes of fast-charging the CURVE BT 120 NC’s secures a full hour of playback. On a full charge, they’re good for 8.5 hours of wireless playback. While that’s not going to get you from LAX to Sydney, considering their diminutive size, that’s impressive.

I love the CURVE BT 120’s durability as well. They’re designed to IPX4 standards, so they offer decent sweat resistance for working out and water resistance for everything else your travels might throw at them.

Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC Wireless Noise-Canceling Earphones (white)
Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC Wireless Noise-Canceling Earphones

What’s in the Box?

Each package includes the CURVE BT 120 NC earphones, USB charging cable, quick guide, two RightFit+ ear wing sizes that apply the right amount of pressure to keep the earbuds in place (M, L), three ear tip sizes to ensure the perfect fit (S, M, L) and a wire clip to keep cables in places.

Pricing + Availability

Phiaton’s CURVE BT 120 NC noise-canceling Bluetooth earphones are available now in Black or White on Amazon.

[amazon box=”B07HGKHSR3″]

The post Phiaton CURVE BT 120 NC: Bluetooth and Noise-Canceling on a Budget appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/phiaton-curve-bt-120-nc-review/feed/ 0
Holiday Gear Guide: 5 Must-have Gifts for Active Travelers https://vagabondish.com/active-travel-gear-gift-guide/ https://vagabondish.com/active-travel-gear-gift-guide/#comments Mon, 19 Nov 2018 19:56:00 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=17601 It's the best time of year to shop for travel gifts. Here are five must-have gifts for the active traveler in your life (even if that traveler is you).

The post Holiday Gear Guide: 5 Must-have Gifts for Active Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
It’s that time of year when it seems the whole world is blanketed in one big, fat, holiday-red-tag sale. Whether you’re buying for someone else or treatin’ yo’ self to gifts for the holidays, now is the best (read cheapest) season to buy.

Here are five must-have gifts for the active traveler in your life (even if that active traveler is you) …

Best Gifts for Active Travelers

LG V30+ 128GB Smartphone (Unlocked)

LG Electronics V30+ Smartphone
LG V30+ Smartphone

It wasn’t long ago that I never left home without my entire DLSR camera kit — full Nikon body, several lenses, a bevy of filters … the works. Now, I’m a little more lax. Smartphone cameras (both photo and video) are lightyears ahead of where they were just a few years ago. The one camera that turned me on to the possibility of traveling “smartphone-only” was LG’s V30+.

There’s a lot to love about this smartphone. The 6-inch QHD+ OLED display is crisp, bright, and absolutely beautiful — perfect for reviewing my just-taken photos and video. The F/1.6 glass camera lens takes awesome shots in even super low light, while the wide-angle option means it’s great for landscapes.

The shell is lightweight yet ultra-durable with IP68 dust and water resistance. It’s rugged enough for even the most active travelers to take on the road (or way, way off). For all of these reasons, the V30+ was my go-to hip camera for my entire two weeks in Antarctica. I took it kayaking with me every day and it performed like a champ.

The best part? Since the release of the new LG V40, the LG V30+ is now discounted as a “previous generation” smartphone. No matter though! For travelers, I highly recommend hitting up Amazon for a deeply discounted V30+. Choose the 128GB unlocked version, and you’ll be ready to travel with it almost anywhere in the world with whatever SIM/carrier you choose.

[amazon box=”B07895W8Z4″]

Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Sports Watch

Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Multisport Watch
Suunto 9 Baro Titanium Multisport Watch

“Three things will be left at the end of the world … Twinkies, cockroaches, and this watch.”
— Runner’s World

Any hardcore adventure traveler (myself included) loves to keep tabs on their outdoor activity. For that, Suunto has fast become my favorite, go-to brand for sports watches. The flagship Suunto 9 Baro Titanium is their most durable multisport watch which features an almost absurd level of versatility, flexibility, and customization options.

The 9 Baro Titanium tracks your GPS coordinates, distance traveled, heart rate, barometric functions, weather alerts, and has 80 built-in sports modes. The big get for avid outdoorsmen, however, is the durability and battery life. I threw everything I could at this watch for the last three weeks and it barely blinked. The battery is good for up to 120 hours, but the watch is smart enough to throttle usage based on your activity. It’ll even provide alerts when it needs to be charged, and let you know if your next workout/activity requires more juice than the watch is currently charged with.

It’s damn pricey, but I’ve long believed that you get what you pay for and this is the single best GPS multisport watch on the market right now.

[amazon box=”B07D5KK17R”]

Henty CoPilot Messenger Bag

Henty CoPilot Messenger Bag
Henty CoPilot Messenger Bag

Wheels were one of the last truly “revolutionary” additions to modern luggage. Not a whole lot has changed since.

So, I was pretty excited to check out Henty’s clever line of luggage. Their CoPilot Messenger is an ingenious design that offers all the versatility and portability of a traditional backpack, but with the added capability of keeping your clothes wrinkle-free while on the road.

Once unfurled, the design allows you to lay out enough clothing for a long weekend (or even longer, depending on how much of a packing ninja you are), then “roll” it up around the single, inner, waterproof chamber in which you store 20L worth of toiletries, shoes, booze, etc. Separate exterior pockets provide for easy-to-reach storage for your passport, travel documents, and laptop. The smart, built-in hanger makes it a snap to stow in the closet once you get where you’re going.

The Henty CoPilot is also available as a backpack.

AxisGO Waterproof Housing for iPhone X

AxisGO X Waterproof Housing for iPhone X
AxisGO X Waterproof Housing for iPhone X

A decent waterproof housing for your DSLR camera can sometimes cost as much as the camera itself. If you’re looking to get into the underwater photography or videography game for far less and you already own an iPhone, AxisGO’s purpose-built housing is a great alternative.

To be clear, the AxisGO waterproof case/housing isn’t the first and only such underwater iPhone case on the market. But, from what I can tell, it’s one of the best designed. The feature set is incredibly solid for photographers looking for something more than just a way to waterproof their iPhone:

  • Functional touchscreen membrane
  • Interchangeable Lens port
  • Robust top and bottom mounting brackets
  • Pistol Grip kit
  • Professional quality accessory lenses
  • Optical glass
  • Anti-reflective and hydrophobic glass coatings

Tenba DNA 15 Messenger

Tenba DNA Messenger 15 Laptop Bag / Carry-on
Tenba DNA Messenger 15 Laptop Bag / Carry-on

For the last two years, Peak Design’s Everyday Messenger was my go-to carry-on. It held exactly what I needed it to — my camera gear, water bottle, reading material, electronic cables, and all the other bits and bobs that my travels require. I still love it. But, it was starting to fray. So, I figured it was a good excuse to try something new.

Tenba DNA Messenger 15 Laptop Bag (open)
Tenba DNA Messenger 15 Laptop Bag

In my case, that something new was Tenba’s DNA 15 Messenger. It holds an ample amount of gear: a 15-inch MacBook Pro, 1 DSLR or mirrorless camera body, 2-3 lenses along with plenty of additional space for documents, cables, memory cards, my passport, and a water bottle on the side.

The zippers feature oversized pulls that are easy to grab, even with gloved hands and the Velcro uses some sort of space-age technology (my words, not Tenba’s) to make it almost completely silent when opening.

Plus, I love the dark, cobalt, denim-ish look. It’s stylish, but stealth enough not to make me feel like a mark for pickpockets while I’m traveling. I prefer the standard DNA 15 Messenger, but if you want something a bit more streamlined, the DNA 15 Slim Messenger is comparable but not quite as deep.

The post Holiday Gear Guide: 5 Must-have Gifts for Active Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/active-travel-gear-gift-guide/feed/ 1
Langogo Is the Perfect Pocket-sized Language Translator for Travelers https://vagabondish.com/langogo-ai-powered-language-translator-review/ https://vagabondish.com/langogo-ai-powered-language-translator-review/#comments Thu, 20 Sep 2018 16:59:31 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=17527 Langogo accurately translates between 60 languages in less than one second and helps you stay connected to global Wi-Fi anytime and anywhere.

The post Langogo Is the Perfect Pocket-sized Language Translator for Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
Remember those old-school TVs in the 80s with the built-in VCR? Inevitably, the VCR was always some off-brand model that stopped working after three months, leaving you with an oversized mediocre television with a bolted-on, non-functioning slot to store your morning toast.

This is how I’ve always felt about combination devices. More often than not, they’re good — but not great — at doing one thing and entirely mediocre at several other things.

So, I admit that I was skeptical about the new Langogo AI-Powered Language Translator. It’s a unique, multipurpose device that promises travelers a few very useful things. Namely: near-real-time language translation and global Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity.

Few companies have been able to deliver on even the second most interesting feature: global Wi-Fi. (Thus far, Google’s Project Fi has been the only provider to deliver comprehensive, seamless, and rock solid service in this department). So I was skeptical Langogo could deliver on that and simultaneously turn me into a polyglot overnight.

In short: they’re promising a tall order. But, I was intrigued, so they sent me a review unit to see what I thought.

Langogo AI-powered Language Translator Review

Langogo - Portable AI-powered Language Translator
Langogo – Portable AI-powered Language Translator

The Skinny

In the brand’s own words, Langogo is:

Made for global travelers. Langogo accurately translates speeches between 60 languages in less than 1 second and helps you stay connected to global Wi-Fi anytime and anywhere, bringing you a world of conversations at your fingertips. With its AI-voice assistant by your side, you will be ready to go out and speak out loud!

So, how’s it stack up?

The Traveler’s Take

Design & Durability

Langogo Language Translator (box)
Langogo Language Translator

From the packaging to the device itself, it’s clear that serious thought was put into Langogo’s design. The stark white, minimalist packaging even steals clear inspiration from Apple’s playbook. The unit itself is sleek, compact, well-built, and sturdy to hold — not unlike a high-end smartphone. No surprise really as it’s made from many of the same materials as today’s best phones including polycarbonate and shatter-resistant Asahi glass.

The company also touts a number of stress tests that their design has passed including:

  • Screen press test: 2,000 times
  • Screen scratch test: 1,000 times
  • Freefall test: 750 times
  • Function button test: 100,000 times

While we’re not in the habit of torture-testing our gear here at VagabondishHQ, the unit feels solid and very well-built. So, we have no doubt that it’s designed to take a beating.

Langogo Language Translator (closeup)
Langogo Language Translator

Functionality

We’re fast approaching a world where it won’t matter what language you, as a traveler, speak. We started with clunky language-to-language translation dictionaries, then moved on to slightly less clunky language-to-language translation apps. Now, Langogo is one of only a few companies looking to take the next step forward. Its biggest selling point is near-real-time language translation.

Imagine sitting in a Parisian cafe where you casually place the unit on the table in front of you. When the waiter/waitress comes to your table, you place your order in English and Langogo automatically “speaks” your order out loud in French. The server jots down your order, responds in French, and you hear their reply spoken aloud in English. The translation process is almost entirely seamless, requiring less than a second. A dedicated noise-canceling chip helps filter out up to 30% of background noise and ensure better sound quality.

By connecting with the world’s largest language database (including 24 translation engines), Langogo currently supports more than 60 languages. These include the most common like Spanish, French (both Canadian and France dialects), and German, as well as more obscure languages like Turkish, Norwegian, and Tamil. Because all of the translation is handled by a remote server, new languages can easily be added in the future without needing to update your actual Langogo device.

I’m a hands-on gadgeter, preferring to skip the instruction manual and start fiddling with new toys right away. This is often a good test of how intuitive a product actually is. In this respect, Langogo fares very well. Physical buttons are limited to a power button, a translation button, and a volume rocker. Everything else is handled via the capacitive touchscreen which I found to be easy to read and very responsive.

Other Features

Because the unit relies on intelligent AI-powered translation, it does require an internet connection. That’s the bad news.

The good news is that the device itself is a global Wi-Fi hotspot. Not only does it provide the necessary connection for the translation functionality, but it supports a total of six additional connected devices. This works in 72 countries without the need for a physical SIM card as it instead relies on eSim technology. Just switch on Langogo and it automatically connects to the best local cell network.

Pricing + Availability

Crowdfunded gadgets are always a gamble. Without thoroughly vetting each project — and who has the time for that? — it’s impossible to know when or if you’ll see a return on your investment. The good news for anyone interested in Langogo is that (as of this publication) the project passed 850% funding on its meager goal of just $10,000. What’s more: it’s already in production.

Langogo is expected to retail for around USD $230 when it goes on sale later this year. Early birds investing in the current Indiegogo project can score a discounted unit for just $159.

The Bottom Line

With a sleek, durable design, simple, user-friendly interface, and an affordable price point, Langogo delivers on its promises as both a language translator and a global Wi-Fi hotspot. For these reasons, we highly recommend it.

The post Langogo Is the Perfect Pocket-sized Language Translator for Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/langogo-ai-powered-language-translator-review/feed/ 1
Why a 260-mph Hurricane Is the Best Way to Clean Your Travel Gear https://vagabondish.com/x3-hurricane-canless-air-system-review/ https://vagabondish.com/x3-hurricane-canless-air-system-review/#respond Fri, 06 Jul 2018 15:54:15 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=17361 It's loud enough to wake the dead. But, decent portability, long battery life, and reliable power all make the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System a good buy for eco-conscious travelers.

The post Why a 260-mph Hurricane Is the Best Way to Clean Your Travel Gear appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
Computer and gear maintenance might be the most unsexy part of long-term travel. But, if you travel with a laptop, camera equipment, smartphone, tablet, chargers, portable espresso maker, and a football-sized tangle of accessory cables, you know all that stuff gets dirty on the road.

Dust and debris have a way of working into every nook and cranny of keyboards, lens filters, USB ports, and all the buttons on your travel gadgets. The question becomes: how to clean it all simply and effectively when you get home?

While on the road, I love Giottos’ Rocket-Air Professional Blower. It strikes a good balance of being gentle enough that it won’t harm even the most sensitive electronics (like a digital camera sensor), but strong enough to blow away most dust. Because it’s compact yet sturdy, I always travel with one.

But, once I get home and find the real stubborn dust that’s collected in the crevices of my gear, I always need to give everything a more thorough cleaning.

Compressed air cans are an effective tool. They’re like little leaf blowers for your gadgets — a simple way to shoo away dust and debris. But, they contain harsh chemicals and create unnecessary waste, so I’ve used them less and less over the years.

All of which led me down the path to find the best canless air duster. They’re exactly what they sound like: electric-powered air dusters that do exactly what canned air is supposed to do. But, they produce a lot less environmental waste. One electric air duster can purportedly replace 5,000 compressed air cans. That’s a small mountain of waste not ending up in a landfill.

Luckily, Canless Air Systems offered to provide us with a test unit of their much-hyped X3 Hurricane Canless Air System. Here’s what I found …

The X3 Hurricane Canless Air System Review (or Why a 260-mph Hurricane Is the Best Way to Clean Your Travel Gear)

The Skinny

In Canless Air Systems’ own words, the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System is their:

… strongest unit ever! It produces an incredible blast of air at over 260 MPH and runs for over 15 minutes straight.

This unit is equal to over 5,000 cans of traditional duster … if you use a lot of canned air and want the most power possible you need this unit.

Great for cleaning large computers, server rooms, camera lenses and mirrors, high-end medical equipment, displays in retail stores, complex circuit boards and so much more.

X3 Hurricane Canless Air System
X3 Hurricane Canless Air System (Kit)

The Traveler’s Take on the X3 Hurricane Canless Air Duster

The X3 Hurricane is Canless Air System’s flagship product. It’s big, loud, and industrial strength. Frankly, it’s overkill for most travelers.

But, if you’re serious about keeping your mobile and photography equipment squeaky clean, I think it’s worth the investment for the strongest canless air duster they offer.

Portability

Compared to typical compressed air cans, the X3 Hurricane is larger but not by much. The battery pack can keep the motor running for a solid 15 minutes which is far longer than most travelers are likely to need just to clean off their gear. It seems like the X3 could be made smaller and lighter by halving the battery size/capacity.

To be clear, this isn’t a “travel gadget” in the sense that you’ll be taking it with you on the road. You certainly could as it’s quite portable. But, I prefer to pack as light as possible and, with the integrated battery pack, this compressed air alternative is just too heavy for me. I use the X3 Hurricane to clean my gear only after returning home.

Canless Air Systems offers a less “industrial strength” solution, however. Their Special Edition Canless Air System offers many of the same features as the X3 Hurricane, but costs just two-thirds of the price.

This thing is loud. I’m talking “hide the cat and get ready to piss off the neighbors” loud.

Functionality: Does the X3 Hurricane Actually Work?

At first, I was worried the 260-mph claim would be too harsh on electronics. That sounds like an unnecessary amount of force just to dust off a laptop, a smartphone, and especially a digital camera.

But, in my experience: yes. The X3 Hurricane works exactly as advertised. In my not-at-all-scientific testing, I found it to be almost as strong as a can of compressed air. I’d say it’s 80-90% as strong.

Plus, the air flow is not only strong but steady. Regular compressed air cans weaken to the point of being unusable after a couple of minutes. Plus, they can spray harmful liquids and chemicals all over your electronics.

X3 Hurricane Canless Air System (attachment kit)
X3 Hurricane Canless Air System (attachment kit)

A 3-piece attachment kit helps bolster the X3’s usefulness. This includes:

  • An extra long flexible straw that can bend around corners
  • A 45-degree nozzle that can focus the air
  • A brush attachment that can be used when cleaning items that require more than just air

What’s the Catch?

If there’s one downside to the X3, it’s the noise. This thing is loud. I’m talking “hide the cat and small children” loud. It’s actually surprising for such a small device.

The first time I revved it up, I thought there might be something wrong with it. I was a little concerned it was going to shred to pieces in my hand.

Using an admittedly crude decibel measuring app, I tested the X3 in the relative quiet of my basement where the ambient noise averages 26 decibels. By comparison, the X3 Hurricane’s motor creates a cacophonous 85 decibels of high-pitched, vacuum-cleaner-like whirring.

To put that in perspective:

Thunderclap, chain saw 120 dB Painful. 32 times as loud as 70 dB.
X3 Hurricane Canless Air System 82 dB 2 times as loud as 70 dB. Possible damage in 8-hour exposure.
Passenger car at 65 mph at 25 ft (77 dB); vacuum cleaner (70 dB) 70 dB Arbitrary base of comparison. Upper 70s are annoyingly loud to some people.
Conversation in restaurant, office, background music 60 dB Half as loud as 70 dB. Fairly quiet.
Whisper, rustling leaves 20 dB

None of this is too surprising though. Compressed air cans rely on a chemical process to quietly expel air out of the can. Because the X3 uses an electric motor to accomplish the same feat, it must move a ton of air very quickly through a very small space. I’m not a professional engineer, but I’m guessing it would be difficult to design a device like this that’s actually quiet — or even quieter.

This might be an issue if you’re traveling. I can’t even imagine using this in a hotel without management calling the cops on you. But, for anyone planning to use it at home, I don’t think it’s an issue. It is what it is.

The Bottom Line

With a suggested retail price near USD $150, the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System is a premium accessory for tech-loving travelers.

Sure, it’s loud enough to wake the dead. But, the decent portability, long battery life, and reliable air power of the X3 Hurricane make it a good buy for eco-conscious travelers.

Buy the X3 Hurricane Canless Air System

The X3 Hurricane Air Duster can be purchased for around USD $150 direct from Canless Air Systems.

It’s also available through Amazon:

[amazon box=”B00IK3KTBY”]

Bestselling Alternatives

[amazon bestseller=”canless air system” items=”3″]

Have you used the Hurricane Canless Air System? Or any similar canless air duster before? What was your experience?

The post Why a 260-mph Hurricane Is the Best Way to Clean Your Travel Gear appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/x3-hurricane-canless-air-system-review/feed/ 0
Mountain Hardwear Super Light Plasmic Jacket: The Go-anywhere, Waterproof Outer Shell for Adventure Travelers https://vagabondish.com/mountain-hardwear-super-light-plasmic-jacket-travel/ https://vagabondish.com/mountain-hardwear-super-light-plasmic-jacket-travel/#respond Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:48:56 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=14817 Mountain Hardwear manufacturers some of the best outdoor and adventure gear available. What’s more: they’re constantly innovating new ways to make their products lighter, more comfortable, more durable and just plain better. The Marvel Comics-ish named Super Light Plasmic Jacket is incredibly light (less than 8 oz!), waterproof and feels great next to your skin. If you’ve ever wanted to invest in an honest-to-goodness premium rain shell but questioned whether it’s worth the money … it is. This jacket is […]

The post Mountain Hardwear Super Light Plasmic Jacket: The Go-anywhere, Waterproof Outer Shell for Adventure Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
Mountain Hardwear manufacturers some of the best outdoor and adventure gear available. What’s more: they’re constantly innovating new ways to make their products lighter, more comfortable, more durable and just plain better.

Mountain Hardwear Men's Super Light Plasmic Jacket

The Marvel Comics-ish named Super Light Plasmic Jacket is incredibly light (less than 8 oz!), waterproof and feels great next to your skin. If you’ve ever wanted to invest in an honest-to-goodness premium rain shell but questioned whether it’s worth the money … it is. This jacket is about as close as you can get to feeling as though you’re not even wearing one. And it packs down ridiculously small – about the size of a baseball. Ideal for travelers, particularly of the minimalist adventurer variety.

On the tech spec side – features include MH’s “Dry.Q™ EVAP’s innovative system of channels that disperses moisture for faster evaporation, improved breathability and a drier interior feel without pit zips. AquaGuard® VISLON® water-resistant front zip”.

Pricing + Availability

Available now in Fuse Green, Zinc, Azul, Shark, and Mountain Red for around $200 (USD) from MountainHardwear.com.

The post Mountain Hardwear Super Light Plasmic Jacket: The Go-anywhere, Waterproof Outer Shell for Adventure Travelers appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/mountain-hardwear-super-light-plasmic-jacket-travel/feed/ 0
Osprey’s Legendary Talon Backpack Gets an Update, Now Even Better https://vagabondish.com/osprey-talon-backpack-travel/ https://vagabondish.com/osprey-talon-backpack-travel/#respond Wed, 12 Feb 2014 18:09:18 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=14795 Osprey has pretty much defined awesome lightweight travel backpacks for decades. Their Talon series has virtually become the standard kit for minimalist backpackers. The recently updated Talon 33 is the Goldilocks of the series – not too small, not too big. It’s just right for backpackers looking to take their minimalist packing skills to the next level by traveling with exactly what they need and not an ounce more. While it retains pretty much all of the previous features that […]

The post Osprey’s Legendary Talon Backpack Gets an Update, Now Even Better appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
Osprey has pretty much defined awesome lightweight travel backpacks for decades. Their Talon series has virtually become the standard kit for minimalist backpackers.

The recently updated Talon 33 is the Goldilocks of the series – not too small, not too big. It’s just right for backpackers looking to take their minimalist packing skills to the next level by traveling with exactly what they need and not an ounce more.

Osprey Talon 33 Travel Backpack (green)

While it retains pretty much all of the previous features that make it awesome, a list of fresh updates take it to the next level. These include lighter weight construction as well as design adjustments to enhance comfort in every available volume. It’s worth noting that the Talon series is now complemented by the Tempest Series specifically for women.

Other features include:

  • Bio Stretch harness consists of mesh covered foam with spacer mesh, a stretch woven harness pocket and an adjustable sternum strap with rescue whistle
  • Bio Stretch hip belt is mesh covered and die-cut featuring zippered stretch mesh pockets and a modified straight Ergo Pull closure system
  • Lower tool loop works in conjunction with fixed bungee tool tie-offs to provide stable and secure ice tool carry
  • Dual ice tool carry uses lower tool loops and bungee tie-offs
  • Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment

Pricing + Availability

Available now in a variety of sizes/volumes and colors (Avatar Blue, Onyx Black, Flame Orange, Shamrock Green) for around $130 (USD) from Amazon.

The post Osprey’s Legendary Talon Backpack Gets an Update, Now Even Better appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/osprey-talon-backpack-travel/feed/ 0
Travel Tip: Solve Your Carry-on Liquid Problem with a Contact Case [Video] https://vagabondish.com/travel-tip-solve-carry-on-liquid-problem-with-contact-case-video/ https://vagabondish.com/travel-tip-solve-carry-on-liquid-problem-with-contact-case-video/#respond Tue, 03 Dec 2013 20:33:11 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=14376 You don’t always need a full three ounces of lotion, shampoo, magic juju oil or … whatever crazy liquids you travel with. The ladies of “How Two Travelers” tackle this perennial dilemma with a simple tip for how to easily and safely (and legally) pack your smallest liquids for carry-on. Simple and clever!

The post Travel Tip: Solve Your Carry-on Liquid Problem with a Contact Case [Video] appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
You don’t always need a full three ounces of lotion, shampoo, magic juju oil or … whatever crazy liquids you travel with.

The ladies of “How Two Travelers” tackle this perennial dilemma with a simple tip for how to easily and safely (and legally) pack your smallest liquids for carry-on.

Simple and clever!

The post Travel Tip: Solve Your Carry-on Liquid Problem with a Contact Case [Video] appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/travel-tip-solve-carry-on-liquid-problem-with-contact-case-video/feed/ 0
SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt Security Camera Keeps an Eye on Your Home While You’re Away https://vagabondish.com/swanneye-hd-pan-tilt-security-camera/ https://vagabondish.com/swanneye-hd-pan-tilt-security-camera/#comments Mon, 25 Nov 2013 20:31:06 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=14275 Travel geek or not, keeping an eye on your home or apartment while you’re away (especially for long-term travelers) is critical. And, thankfully, it’s now easier than ever with ultra-affordable, wireless security cameras that even your Nana can setup herself. Swann’s latest product line is a series of Plug & Play security cameras that are inexpensive, easy-to-setup and feature-rich. The ADS-445 SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt All-in-One IP Network Camera (their marketing department is a bit wordy … but it’s […]

The post SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt Security Camera Keeps an Eye on Your Home While You’re Away appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
Travel geek or not, keeping an eye on your home or apartment while you’re away (especially for long-term travelers) is critical. And, thankfully, it’s now easier than ever with ultra-affordable, wireless security cameras that even your Nana can setup herself.

ADS-445 SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt All-in-One IP Network Camera

Swann’s latest product line is a series of Plug & Play security cameras that are inexpensive, easy-to-setup and feature-rich. The ADS-445 SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt All-in-One IP Network Camera (their marketing department is a bit wordy … but it’s certainly accurate) offers a long list of features. The most important for travelers include:

  • Record and save 720p HD video and 1280 x 720 HD pictures
  • Memory card slots (MicroSD for the Plug & Play and SD for the Pan & Tilt) so recordings can easily be transferred to computers or other devices
  • Images and video can be saved directly to your smartphone or tablet via the SwannEye HD™ app
  • The 350 degree horizontal and 100 degree vertical motion of the Pan & Tilt camera can be remotely controlled by your smartphone or tablet via the SwannEye HD™ app

For remote viewing from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, the free SwannEye HD app allows users to live stream or view recorded videos/photos from their camera back home.

There’s also an option to enable the SwannEye app to send an e-mail notification when motion is detected by the cameras.

Lastly, straight out of the box, syncing the camera with your smartphone or tablet is super easy and network-free with a unique QR code that comes with each system. Simply plug in the power cable, scan the code and go.

Pricing + Availability

Available now for around $180 (USD) from B&H Photo and other online retailers.

The post SwannEye HD Pan & Tilt Security Camera Keeps an Eye on Your Home While You’re Away appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/swanneye-hd-pan-tilt-security-camera/feed/ 1
Sennheiser Presence: Premium Bluetooth Headset for Digital Nomads https://vagabondish.com/sennheiser-presence-bluetooth-headset-for-travelers/ https://vagabondish.com/sennheiser-presence-bluetooth-headset-for-travelers/#respond Fri, 22 Nov 2013 19:45:20 +0000 http://www.vagabondish.com/?p=14243 Sennheiser has had their hands in the high-end audio industry for seventy years. In addition to kickass headphones we were pleasantly surprised to discover their Bluetooth headsets are pretty sweet as well. Their latest release – simply dubbed Presence – focuses on taking today’s ubiquitous Bluetooth headset to the next level with truly premium audio quality and clarity. The feature set is quite lengthy, particularly for such a small device: Best-in-class sound — Sennheiser HD sound and HD voice clarity […]

The post Sennheiser Presence: Premium Bluetooth Headset for Digital Nomads appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
Sennheiser has had their hands in the high-end audio industry for seventy years. In addition to kickass headphones we were pleasantly surprised to discover their Bluetooth headsets are pretty sweet as well.

Sennheiser Presence Bluetooth Wireless Headset

Their latest release – simply dubbed Presence – focuses on taking today’s ubiquitous Bluetooth headset to the next level with truly premium audio quality and clarity. The feature set is quite lengthy, particularly for such a small device:

  • Best-in-class sound — Sennheiser HD sound and HD voice clarity ensures a clearer and more natural audio experience
  • Latest Bluetooth® 4.0 technology
  • Optimized speech clarity — Unique SpeakFocusâ„¢ technology enhances HD voice clarity in all sound environments
  • Wind noise reduction — WindSafeâ„¢ technology reduces wind noise in outdoor situations
  • Hearing protection — ActiveGard® technology protects you from acoustic shock and sudden sound surges
  • Increased range — up to 25 meters dependent on device and environment
  • Extended talk time — Up to 10 hours’ narrowband and 8 hours’ wideband call time between charges
  • Instant status — Via voice prompted status
  • Real-time battery monitoring — Via iPhone® battery meter
  • Lightweight iconic design — Looks and feels as good as it sounds
  • Peace of mind — Two-year international warranty

All of this tech comes at a price (an MSRP of $179.99 USD to be exact). But if you’re constantly on the go and rely on your mobile phone as much as we do, it’s definitely worth a look.

Pricing + Availability

Available now in black/silver for around $150 USD from Amazon.

The post Sennheiser Presence: Premium Bluetooth Headset for Digital Nomads appeared first on Vagabondish.

]]>
https://vagabondish.com/sennheiser-presence-bluetooth-headset-for-travelers/feed/ 0